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Negron OK after being struck in head by pickoff

7/22/14: Kristopher Negron gets hit in his helmet on a pickoff attempt by Francisco Rodriguez but stays in the game

By Mark Sheldon
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MLB.com |

MILWAUKEE -- Reds backup infielder Kristopher Negron was fortunate he wasn't seriously hurt on Tuesday when a pickoff throw hit him in the head.

In the top of the ninth inning of the Reds' 3-2 loss to the Brewers, Negron was leading off first base and dove back as reliever Francisco Rodriguez fired his pickoff throw in the dirt. The ball caught Negron on the right side of the helmet where there was no ear flap.

Negron spent several moments on the ground and was examined by the trainer. But he was able to stay in the game.

"It got me right behind the ear," Negron said on Wednesday. "It caught me pretty solid. I was a little dazed right when it happened, but it went away quick. I am good to go now."

Negron did not need to undergo further testing under the league's concussion protocol.

"I didn't have any headaches and I wasn't woozy afterwards," he said.

Since his recall to the Reds from Triple-A Louisville on July 10, Negron has made two starts, notching two hits. Both of them were home runs, the first two of his big league career -- including a pinch-hit long ball to right field in Monday's loss to Milwaukee.

"I'm trying to help out any way I possibly can," Negron said. "Any time I can, I want to contribute -- whether it's defense, getting a hit or running."

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.